Off road motorcycle safety tips could help prevent you and others from being injured. While there can be a lot of enjoyment in off road cycling, there are also dangers. Commonsense can only go so far in the prevention of motorcycle accidents. You should also know the laws concerning off road biking and the proper type of equipment to wear.
Know the Applicable Laws of Your State
The first tip is to know the laws of your state. While this is obviously important for legal reasons, it could also help in the prevention of motorcycle accidents. In the state of New York, for example, a motorcycle helmet is required whether riding on or off road. But helmet laws are not the only rules governing off road biking.
The following are some of the laws that apply to off road motorcycling in New York:
- wear eye protection (e.g. goggles, face shield);
- include muffler and spark arrestor;
- no passengers unless bike is equipped for such;
- use white headlight and red taillight after sunset and before sunrise;
- riders under 16 must be supervised by person 18 or older or person 16 or older possessing ATV safety certificate; and
- riders 10 years or older and less than 16 require certificate.
Wear the Proper Motorcycle Equipment
Even if the laws don’t require certain types of equipment, wear as much protection as you can. This is one of the most important off road motorcycle safety tips. Should you have an accident, your protective gear could significantly reduce the chance of suffering serious injuries.
You should wear a helmet that covers your whole face and has chin protection. In addition, a mouth guard could prevent injuries to your teeth and jaw. As mentioned, eye protection is required. Look for goggles that are designed for sports use.
Protect your torso and arms with:
- a long-sleeved shirt;
- chest guard;
- elbow pads; and
- gloves.
Special pants, often called motocross pants, provide padding that can protect the legs, hips, and other parts of the lower body. You may even find tall boots specially designed for off road motorcycling.
One of the best ways to protect your body is by taking a rider training course, recommends the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. At the least, all beginner rider should take one to learn tips on handling and road etiquette.
Off Road Motorcycle Safety Tips for Beginners
Ride a bike that is designed for off road use. A motorcycle that is mostly used on the highway won’t function as well as one built for off road use. That’s because off road bikes are designed with special suspension and tires.
If you are a beginner, enroll in a program that formally trains beginning riders. If you don’t have the skills, experience or training to ride a trail, you may put yourself at risk of being injured or injuring others.
Finally, maintaining your bike can also help in the prevention of motorcycle accidents. Regularly inspect it to make sure everything is working correctly and make any necessary repairs before hitting the trails again.
Damages for Injuries Caused by Negligence
Following these off road motorcycle safety tips may be a good step forward in the prevention of motorcycle accidents. However, there is no guarantee that someone else’s careless or reckless actions or a defective part in the bike won’t contribute to an accident.
If this is the case, you may be able to recover damages that will take care of your medical expenses and lost wages. You may also be able to receive compensation for other losses such as pain and suffering, disability and mental anguish depending on the circumstances of the accident and your injuries.
If you took necessary off road motorcycle safety tips to prevent motorcycle accidents but still suffered injury as a result of another’s negligence, consult an attorney at Gacovino, Lake & Associates based in New York at 1-800-246-HURT (4878).
